City of Sanibel plants native trees to strengthen hurricane defenses

Landscaping crews in Sanibel are planting native trees along Causeway Boulevard this week as part of an effort to restore the island’s natural canopy and improve its resilience against hurricanes.

Hurricanes from 2022 to 2024 destroyed much of Sanibel Island's natural canopy, underscoring the role of landscape architects in hurricane preparation.

Leigh Gevelinger, a landscape architect who has worked in Sanibel for 16 years, is helping coordinate the project.

"We understand what will survive, what can survive and how to plant in a sustainable and resilient way," Gevelinger said.

Environmental biologist Dana Dettmar said that, after Hurricane Ian, the city evaluated which plants could endure high winds and storm surges.

"Following the hurricane, we kind of took inventory of, okay, what worked and what did not work in the face of high winds and storm surge," Dettmar said.

She explained that the city selected plants specifically for their ability to withstand hurricanes.

"We know that they are capable of taking the impact of storms," Dettmar said.

The company sourcing the workers for the project is Juniper Landscaping. Regional enhancement manager Jessica Shannon said seeing the damage Hurricane Ian caused inspired her to help in Sanibel's recovery.

"I came out here to see what we could do," Shannon said. "I've just met a lot of great people along the way and helped restore a lot of areas."

For Gevelinger, participating in this project was a meaningful opportunity.

"This was a way that we could partner with the city and step forward and begin to make an impact," she said.

A shipment of palm trees is expected to arrive Friday, and crews will begin planting shrubs and other small plants next week.